Ways to Avoid Violent Crimes

Sexual Assault

1. Use your initials instead of your first name on community mail boxes and phone listings.

2. Avoid lingering around when you're alone in an apartment laundry room or in a parking garage.

3. Never tell anyone that you are alone when on the telephone or when someone is at the door. No matter who they claim they are.

4. It is very risky and foolish to accept a ride home from someone you have just met. You may never get there.

5. If you decide to physically resist an assault, remember that your goal is to incapacitate the attacker long enough to run to safety and get help.

6. If you have become a victim of sexual assault, call police immediately. Do not bathe or change clothes or you may destroy evidence.

Robbery

1. Avoid carrying, bragging about, and or flashing valuable items or large amounts (rolls) of money. More so when traveling internationally. You have a target painted on your back as a tourist.

2. Always think ahead. For example, when traveling at night, have your keys ready to enter the house or to start the car.

3. If you are confronted by a robber, the best advice is to cooperate if it seems all they want is money.

4. If you resist, there is a greater chance that you may be hurt.

Bank Machines

1. When using an automatic bank teller, always be watchful of any suspicious people around you.

2. The chances of being robbed at night are much greater, especially if you are alone.

3. If you find someone waiting and watching outside in the area of an ATM machine, do not use it. Leave the area and report the incident to the police immediately. You could save someone else from being a victim of crime.

Street Safety- Use Common Sense 

1. Stay in well-lighted, busy areas. Avoid walking alone and avoid known trouble spots.

2. When you carry a purse, hold it close to your body rather than by the handles. Do not wrap purse straps around your wrist, because you can get hurt in a struggle.

3. Carry only what you need in a purse or wallet, not everything you have.

4. Avoid using shortcuts through dark alleys, fields, or vacant lots.

5. If you think you're being followed, cross the street and change directions a few times. Go quickly to a well-lighted place with lots of people. Do not go home. You don't want an attacker to know where you live.